From the Heavens (Final Fantasy XVI)

𖥸 Echoes of the Fallen: I 𖥸

A/N: Welcome to the first DLC! I'm unsure how many parts there will be at the time I write this, but it will definitely follow the DLC with added/altered plot to fit the story I have in mind. I won't give any information/plot considering the DLC explains itself if you've played it and I also don't want to spoil anything. I hope you all enjoy! Love you all!!!

PS—I lost track of who was Marnek and who was Halek. So sorry about that!

✨~Celestial~✨
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"A shame, truly."

"Such a body is wasted on you."

"I shall take it as my own!"

Startled awake, Lyra's head shot up. She was in her cat form and curled up in Clive's lap while he was busy responding to missives. The strange dream she had plagued her mind as all she could hear was a female voice in the midst of darkness. The disembodied voice sounded familiar to her, but she couldn't think of who it belonged to.

Her emerald-slit eyes scanned the room and saw it was only her and Clive. She didn't realize how tense she was until she felt a gentle hand on her head. Turning her head, she looked up at him.

"Are you all right?" he asked, petting the top of her head.

She tilted her head as his fingers trailed down to scratch underneath her chin. "Yes. How long was I asleep?"

"An hour," he answered. "You can rest longer if you'd like."

"I would, but now I am wide awake." She stood up in his lap and hopped onto the desk. She was careful not to knock over anything. Sitting near the edge of the desk, her tail dangled off the side. "Seeing as you are working hard, I should return to reading Mimir's writings."

"You've read plenty for the time being," he said. "I should take you away from the hideaway for a change of scenery considering how long your nose has been buried in that book."

"It's only been a day," she argued.

"It's been three, Lyra," Clive remarked.

Her slit eyes widened in shock. "It...has?"

"I'm not surprised you haven't realized. You only require sleep when you have exhausted your magicks, allowing the days and nights to blur." He got up from the chair and walked around to the other side of his desk. "What was the name of the red flowers you would often grow in Rosalith?"

"Oh, they are called scarlet whimsias. If I remember correctly, they only grow in Rosaria. Why do you ask?"

"The last time I visited the backyard, I don't recall seeing them among the seeds available. We should travel to Rosaria and search for some."

Her ears perked up. "Are you certain? Would it truly be all right?"

He smiled at seeing the excitement glimmering in her eyes. "Of course. It will be the perfect distraction for you."

Lyra jumped off the desk and reverted. She smiled enthusiastically at him. "To Rosaria, then."

The couple left their chambers and walked down the stairs. They walked through the main deck with the intent to reach the lift, but they both heard a heavy sigh from Charon. Wondering if something was wrong, they approached the elderly woman.

"Charon?" Lyra called out, her tone laced with concern.

"Is something the matter? You seem...perturbed," Clive said, grabbing the merchant's attention.

Charon gazed at the couple, a lit cigarette resting between her fingers. "Do I now? How clever of you both to notice. But yes, summat's come to my attention, and I'll be damned if I know what to make of it."